Title
Panel depicting the Daoist immortal Magu with a wine vessel
Year/Period
Mid-20th century
Region
Singapore
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 266.5 x 135.0 cm
Accession No.
2023-00686
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Estate of Lam Po Chee in memory of Lam Po Chee
This embroidered panel was presented to the family matriarch Mdm Chan Swee Ngor (1889–1978) by her nephews in celebration of her birthday. The central figure is Magu 麻姑, the Daoist immortal who represents longevity. According to legend, Magu brewed a fine wine from lingzhi fungus to present to the Queen Mother of the West at her birthday banquet. The image of Magu holding a jue (a type of ancient bronze vessel for serving wine) seen on this textile corresponds to this story. Flanking Magu are the Eight Immortals, an eclectic group of individuals in Chinese mythology who had achieved immortality through personal cultivation and effort.
